Head of Policy - Alexander Mann Solutions (Contingent)

At M&G our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. As an international savings and investments business with roots stretching back more than 170 years, we offer a range of financial products and services through Asset Management, Life and Wealth. All three operating segments work together to deliver attractive financial outcomes for our clients, and superior shareholder returns.

Through our behaviours of telling it like it is, owning it now, and moving it forward together with care and integrity; we are creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent. We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and also offer workplace accommodations to ensure you have what you need to effectively deliver in your role.

The Role:

Together with the Head of External Affairs, the role holder will lead our efforts to develop and implement a strategic policy and public affairs plan that builds M&G's reputation, influencing and positioning in our sector. This will include the creation and delivery of proactive campaigns that will positively change external perceptions of M&G and affect change with key stakeholders. This role will also support the development of a reputational risk operation and the evolution of the function to create a more digital first operation across a range of channels.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Working with the Head of External Affairs, you will develop and implement a strategic policy and public affairs plan that supports the delivery of our strategic objectives and builds M&G's reputation and positioning in its sector.
• Build and manage strong relationships with relevant Ministers, parliamentarians, civil servants, policy makers, partner organisations and other external agencies to influence the Government's agenda and ensure the best possible operating environment for M&G throughout the UK and beyond.
• Lead the development of policy publications; such as policy briefs, evidence statements, select committee responses, speeches, blogs, white papers, academic articles and social media postings, in order to maintain a drumbeat of thoughtful insights to ensure we are well positioned in the minds of our key stakeholders.
• Leading the PPA team, develop agile submissions and responses to key moments in the political calendar including the Budget, King's Speech, Spring Statement, key legislation and Select Committees.
• Oversee the provision of political insight, monitoring and analysis, drawing on information from many sources and advise on appropriate responses.
• Act as a central point of contact for consultations and co-ordinating responses and submissions, working closely with other teams across the firm with our regulatory and policy teams.
• Ensure M&G representation at key external events including policy roundtables, party conferences, trade association steering boards and external commissions.
• To co-ordinate and assist with the engagement and representation of M&G's interests on relevant trade associations and other key bodies.

Key Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• A strategic thinker who has worked in Westminster or Brussels, in a public affairs/policy role previously and/or in a highly regulated sector.
• A good understanding of the Westminster 'village' and Brussels with a good network of established contacts with politicians, key civil servant and their teams.
• A working knowledge of the political environment in other key M&G markets would also be useful.
• Previous financial services experience is preferred but not essential, however, an awareness of the FS sector and a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities is essential.
• Experience of developing and communicating public policy positions proactively through engaging creative campaigns using a range of channels.
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.

Next steps:

We have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture at M&G plc, underpinned by our policies and our employee-led networks who provide networking opportunities, advice and support for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or long term condition, we are looking to attract, promote and retain exceptional people. We also welcome those who take part in military service and those returning from career breaks.